Do NOT read this book unabridged!!! Always read an edited version!
Good book, but with nasty vulgarity to it.

Josette is trapped in Paris during the French Revolution, when her employer tries to blackmail prominent men in the government and is murdered. Desperate to protect his widow and child, Josette seeks for help from the Scarlet Pimpernel. Josette and her boyfriend Maurice fall into the clutches of the merciless Chauvelin, and only the clever Scarlet Pimpernel can save them from the guillotine.

Josette is a wonderful main character, full of compassion and faith. She is not clever or wise, but her good heart and her unwavering loyalty pull her through the story. I loved the scenes where she takes action for herself, never flinching in the face of danger.

The plot is fantastic, of course, with many twists and turns. I loved how all the complexities of each situation finally run together to a swift and glorious end.

I also enjoyed the interesting and compelling supporting characters. The writing really makes each person real and true.

My only complaint about this book is that there wasn't enough of the Scarlet Pimpernel in it. Although I did love Josette as the main character, I wanted to see the Scarlet Pimpernel and his men in more of the scenes.

Beautiful poetry and some biography of Dickinson's life.

This workbook has games, coloring pages, and activities to help little ones learn their colors, numbers, alphabet, and basic shapes. Including simple puzzles and challenges, this book teaches children that learning is fun, and coordinates with basic lessons they will be learning in preschool and kindergarten.

There are tracing pages to help little fingers learn how to draw letters and numbers. There are connect-the-dot games and matching games to get them thinking with logic, and to improve their memory. Moving from identifying basic colors into finally reading small words, there are even sections about rhyming words, and counting the syllables in a word. The pages gradually teach the reader their colors, shapes, numbers, alphabet, and simple spelling as they grow throughout the school year.

The best part about this workbook are the colorful illustrations. Each page is full of color and energy, which makes the activities fun and entertaining. The cartoon style of the illustrations are simple, but bright and lively, drawing the attention of young readers, without overwhelming the page or making it too busy.

I really love the balance of fun and learning in this workbook! I can't wait to do some of the activities with my toddler niece!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

This book gives amazing information and wacky facts about bling of all kinds, from gorgeous gems to flashy fish to colorful festivals around the world.
Not just about the diamonds and gold, this book talks about animals that use dazzling colors to attract a mate or fend off predators, the most expensive luxury items of the ancient and modern worlds, and the most extravagant palaces and mansions around the world.

There are caves that sparkle in the darkness with luminescence, showy waterfalls, armor from the middle ages, twinkling stars, stunning ice formations and glaciers, the most expensive cars, and the most iconic movie props of all time.

I love the colorful photographs on every page! The photos are so vivid and full of action, they really bring the subject material to life.
This book inspired me to look up further information about some of the wildest and most expensive items in the world! This would be perfect for curious children who love random facts and interesting information!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.

Using ordinary items found around the house, these experiments are introduced in separate chapters for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. They range from simple activities that a young child could do alone, to more complex experiments that require an adults supervision. Each activity poses a scientific question, and asks the reader to create a theory, examine evidence, draw conclusions, and record their observations.

You can make your own microscope, track sound waves, build 3-D lenses, power a small boat with just a candle, build a robot that hops, create artwork with a pendulum, and weave a magical math square.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with photos that show children doing the actual experiments. There is even a glossary in the back for some of the more scientific terms.

Each experiment has a text box that explains the how and why of the chemistry or math behind the activity. It also tells some of the history of famous mathematicians, engineers, and scientists who first discovered and developed the techniques used and simplified in this book.

These experiments would definitely spark the curiosity of children and teens, and get them excited about learning! Especially students who are tactical learners would enjoy these activities!


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

This book has Trivia Questions in categories for US and World History, Arts and Literature, Food and Drink, and Animals and Nature. They vary from multiple choice questions, true or false, or putting a group of words into the correct order. Some groups of questions have a word bank of possible answers that you can choose from.

In the beginning, there are instructions about using the book to play with teams or individually, how to keep score, or how to play with a quizmaster that shouts out the questions to any player quick enough to answer. The book can also be used for a two-person game, or as a solo challenge.

The questions are interesting and fun, all about presidents, battles, composers, authors, architecture, films, animals, coffee, bread, and fast food.
"True or False: The world consumes more beer than coffee."
"Emily Dickinson wrote that she could not stop for what, so 'He kindly stopped for me'?"
"Who was [the US] President when the Berlin Wall came down?"

I can't wait to play this with my family! My Dad loves trivia, and it should be great fun!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

This book has Trivia Questions in categories for Pop Culture, Geography, Sports, and Science. They vary from multiple choice questions, true or false, or putting a group of words into the correct order. Some groups of questions have a word bank of possible answers that you can choose from.

In the beginning, there are instructions about using the book to play with teams or individually, how to keep score, or how to play with a quizmaster that shouts out the questions to any player quick enough to answer. The book can also be used for a two-person game, or as a solo challenge.

The questions are interesting and fun, all about award-winning movies, classic rock-n-roll, highest mountains, world landmarks, sports stats and history, women in science, and the newest technology.

I can't wait to play this with my family! My Dad loves trivia, and it should be great fun!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

Soccer (or futbol) fans will love these biographies of today's top players from around the world! There are chapters for each position, showcasing the top goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards in the game today.

Some of the bios are several pages long, detailing how the players overcame obstacles and practiced hard to be the best. Other spotlight or honorable mention bios are one page long with stats and the main features of that player's career. There are also pages that give information about the rules and regulations of pro soccer, common terminology, fun facts, and diagrams that show the pitch and positions.

The best thing about this book are the emotional stories of the players, how they fought hard, relied on their team and their families, overcame racism and hatred, connected with their fans, and won glory in their sport.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

This cookbook begins with an introduction section that explains what FODMAPs are- specific types of carbs, sugars, and fibers that can trigger IBS symptoms. Some foods are naturally low in these types of carbs, and are easier on the gut, leading to better digestion and overall health. There is a lengthy list of types of foods to avoid and foods to eat more often. You can still eat small portions of FODMAP foods, and gradually reintroduce them into your diet as your gut heals. I really love the balanced diet portrayed in this health plan. There are pantry lists and lists of ingredients to watch out for on food labels.

Then the recipes are divided into sections for Smoothies, Breakfast, Sides and Salads, Meatless Mains, Fish and Seafood, Poultry and Meat, Snacks and Desserts, and Broths and Sauces. Each recipe has nutritional labels, and labels to say whether it is dairy-free, vegetarian, nut-free, vegan, one pot, or a quick recipe.

Some recipes are especially recommended for healing gut inflammation, and most have substitutions for high-FODMAP ingredients, so that you can enjoy your favorite foods without the bowel distress. Instead of using garlic, the author recommends garlic oil for all the good taste and none of the FODMAPS. Instead of using black beans or refried beans in your tacos, use chickpeas for a low-FODMAP solution.

I really want to try the Sweet Potato Pancakes and Almond Cookies! The One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu looks good too!


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.